Authorities Burn 125 Tons of Substandard Medicine in Helmand Amid Rising Drug Quality Concerns

Local officials in Helmand province have announced the collection and burning of 125 tons of substandard and expired medicines. This action comes amid growing concerns about the drug supply situation in the province’s markets.

Residents of Helmand have repeatedly complained in recent weeks about the low quality of medicines available in pharmacies, stating that these drugs have not only been ineffective but in some cases have worsened illnesses.

Health experts emphasize that the lack of regular oversight and weak control over the import and distribution of medicines have facilitated the spread of counterfeit and poor-quality drugs, posing a direct threat to public health.

However, critics argue that the Taliban administration has so far failed to establish a transparent and sustainable mechanism to monitor the drug market. They suggest that the occasional burning of spoiled medicines, without fundamental reform of the regulatory system, will not adequately address the serious concerns of the public.